Student spotlight

William Yan’s Passion for Badminton

At Doncaster Secondary College, we take pride in supporting our students in discovering their passions, both within and outside the classroom. One of our international students, Junyu (William) YAN, has found his inspiration through sport—specifically, badminton.

William shared that when he first arrived in Australia, he wasn't particularly confident in PE and had never considered himself a strong athlete. However, after trying a range of sports including basketball, Taekwondo and snowboarding, he discovered that badminton truly resonated with him.

Soon after settling into school life, William joined a local badminton club, where he began attending weekly professional training sessions. Although nervous at first, he quickly developed confidence, thanks to the encouragement and guidance of his coaches. These regular trainings not only improved his skills but also helped him grow socially and emotionally.

With his growing passion for the sport, William began participating in friendly matches and social events. Along the way, he discovered that one of his classmates, Steven, also shared a love for badminton. The two have become close friends and teammates, regularly competing in both singles and doubles matches at school and in the community.

“What I enjoy most about badminton,” William says, “is the thrill of the game—the excitement, intensity and energy in every shot. It keeps me motivated, focused, and happy.”

William’s journey is a great example of how international students at DSC are encouraged to explore their interests and build meaningful connections. His story highlights the importance of extracurricular activities in promoting student wellbeing, confidence and engagement during their time in Australia.